Immersion's Patent Fight Against HTC Alters Path

Immersion Corporation today announced a change of plans with respect to its patent litigation against HTC. The company has asked the U.S. International Trade Commission to drop its case against HTC entirely so that it may instead pursue a case for damages in U.S. District Court. The company had been given an ITC court date of October 28, 2013, which could only eventually result in a device blockade. Immersion now feels that, due to HTC's poor sales, such a blockade would no longer be effective. Instead, Immersion wants to pursue damages more directly. It has already filed for damages and a trial, but that has been postponed pending the outcome of the ITC case. Immersion believes a successful court trial will reduce its attorneys fees for the year, as well as speed up the potential for financial rewards from HTC. It has petitioned the court to lift the stay delaying its patent trial. Immersion Corporation develops touch and haptic feedback technology for mobile devices.